Chapter 5: The Mission

MYRA/SELENE

He stared at me like I was a puzzle he hadn’t expected to enjoy solving. There was a glint in his eyes, sharp, intrigued. His lips twitched, almost forming a smirk.

Like no one had dared make a deal with him before.

“Hmmm…” he dragged out the sound, folding his arms as he leaned back. “And who is that?”

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. But my arms crossed instinctively, a shield. I’d heard things about him, whispers, warnings, rumors that chilled the spine. I didn’t want to end up on his blacklist.

“Hunter,” I said finally, letting the name hang in the air.

He blinked once. Then straightened.

“From Silver Claw Pack?”

I nodded slowly.

He tilted his head, calculating. “Then we have the same enemy,” he said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “And you promised to help me… It’s the same thing.”

“I know,” I replied quietly, then raised my chin. “But I want to kill him myself.”

That caught him off guard.

His eyes widened, surprised. Then, to my shock, he let out a low chuckle.

“You’re bold. For a lady,” he said, a hint of something playful in his tone. “Very interesting.”

He stepped forward, the room suddenly feeling smaller.

“But first,” he added, his voice serious now. “Do what I asked.”

His gaze locked on mine.

"Capture the rogue leader,” he said, every word precise. “Bring him to me. Then I'll think about your request.”

"Two days," he announced, his eyes cold as he gave orders to his warriors. "She has two days to train and strategize for her mission."

"Alpha," one of the warriors protested, a man with a jagged scar running down his face. "Is this wise? Sending her alone…"

"Did I ask for your opinion, Frakas?" Gray cut him off.

The warrior, Frakas immediately lowered his gaze. "No, Alpha. Just concerned about the success of the mission."

"Then you'll ensure she's properly prepared," Gray replied, turning his gaze back to me. "Won't you?"

"Yes, Alpha," Frakas nodded.

I felt Gray knew deep down that I wouldn't come back alive. This wasn't a mission: it was another form of execution, just more creative than a simple beheading.

When you think long and hard on it, Gray wasn't so different from Jace. They all used stupid creative method to accomplish their dirty work.

"Do you understand your mission?" he asked, leaning forward until I could feel his breath against my cheek.

It took all ounce of patience within me for me not to scoff directly at him and spit on his face. Every now and then, flashes clouded my mind. I could hear Jace stabbing me all over again and that only made me feel disgusted by Gray even more.

"What exactly am I supposed to do once I find the rogue leader?" I managed to ask, hating how my voice trembled.

I particularly hated this body that the moon goddess reborn me into, it was as though she was sending me back to death.

And worse of it all, she didn't deem me worthy to save me some memories of whatever the girl was supposed to be doing. I was just floating, trying to find my balance and understand what the hell I'm getting myself into.

"Bring them back alive," he replied. "Though dead would be acceptable if necessary."

"And if I don't return?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Gray's lips quirked into a cold smile. "Then you've served your purpose either way."

"Will I be provided with anything for this mission?"

"You'll be given basic weapons and supplies," Gray replied dismissively. "Nothing too valuable, of course. Can't waste resources."

"That doesn't make any sense.” I protested. Gray leaned in, squinting his eyes suspiciously as he stared down at me.

It was like he was trying to see right through and whatever it is I was.

“Who are you?” He finally questioned I could literally hear my heart rate increase right inside of my chest.

“That's ridiculous, I'm Myra.” I tried to keep a straight expression as his gaze lingered on me for a whole minute.

I wondered if he cared if I died. But I just closed that thought. I knew that a man who had just almost killed me would not give a fuck if I got killed by someone else. In fact, maybe that was probably his plan all along, let the rogues handle his dirty work.

"Two days," he repeated, turning away. "Frakas will oversee your preparation. Don't disappoint me, Myra."

The sound of my name on his lips sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.

I resigned to do my best. Standing in the garden, I made up my mind to survive this mission no matter what. I wanted to live, and I wasn't reborn just to died again.

"Come," Frakas grunted, grabbing my arm roughly. "Time to prepare you."

I followed the guards who were meant to get me ready and prepare me for the mission. They marched me across the compound, past whispering pack members and curious onlookers.

"Is that the rogue?" I heard someone whisper.

"Gray's sending her to die," another answered.

When I got to the room, It was obvious they didn't like me by the way they shoved me around. A female warrior with dark hair pushed me forward so hard I nearly lost my balance.

"Watch it," I hissed before I could stop myself.

She bared her teeth in response. "Or what? Going to call for your Alpha protector?"

I just ignored her. Fighting now would only weaken me for the real battle ahead.

The training room was spacious, with weapons lining the walls and practice dummies scattered throughout. Several warriors lounged around, eyeing me with contempt.

"Listen up," Frakas announced. "This rogue has two days to prepare for a mission. Alpha's orders are to train her."

"What's the mission?" someone called out.

Frakas's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Capturing the rogue leader."

The room erupted in laughter, and my cheeks burned with humiliation.

"Might as well dig her grave now," the female warrior snickered.

"Choose your weapon," Frakas instructed, gesturing to the array of blades, bows, and other weapons laid out on a large table.

I approached carefully, my eyes scanning the collection. I chose what looked like the best of them to train with. A gleaming sword with a sharp edge and well crafted hilt caught my eye.

"Not that one," Frakas said, noticing my gaze. "That's too good for a rogue."

"I need the best if I have any chance," I insisted, wrapping my fingers around the hilt.

Frakas shrugged. "Your funeral."

As I tried to lift the sword, the weight of it caught me by surprise. My arms trembled and before I could adjust my grip, I lost balance and fell on my butt and everyone started laughing at me.

"Not so tough now, are you?" the female warrior taunted.

I couldn't believe that of all the body, the moon goddess could make me be reborn in, it had to be a rogue, sentenced to death, and worst of all, she had to be this weak.

My previous life as an Alpha felt like a cruel joke now: all that strength and power, reduced to this pathetic body that couldn't even lift a proper sword.

"You need to start smaller," Frakas said, tossing a lighter blade my way. "Build up your strength."

I caught it clumsily, biting back a remark. The only advantage I had now was my skills and intelligence in battle. I lacked my Alpha strength, but perhaps strategy could make up for it.

"I need volunteers," I announced, turning to face the room. "Who will accompany me on this mission?"

Silence fell across the armory. The warriors looked at each other, then back at me.

"She's joking, right?" someone muttered.

Frakas crossed his arms over his broad chest. "No one said anything about volunteers. This is your mission, rogue."

"I need backup," I insisted. "This isn't just about me, it's about bringing information back to your pack. That's harder to do if I'm dead."

"Should have thought about that before you became a rogue," the female warrior sneered.

I looked around desperately. "I'm asking for some assistance, for anyone willing to help me plan and execute this mission properly."

The warriors murmured among themselves, exchanging glances and shaking their heads.

"No one is willing to go die with you," Frakas said bluntly.

"Or die trying," someone added, triggering another round of laughter.

"Surely some of you know about rogue territories, their leaders?” I asked, “So no one wants to help me?”.

More silence. More stares.

"You're on your own, rogue," Frakas said with a shrug.

"Fine," I said, turning toward the practice dummy. "I'll do it alone."

I tried to keep my voice firm, but inside, I felt hopeless.

I knew I wouldn't stand a chance in this weak body, alone in enemy territory when I go. This wasn't a mission– it was an execution, just delayed and made more entertaining for Gray and his pack.

As I was about to leave, a young guy stood up from where he'd been sitting quietly in the corner. He couldn't have been more than twenty, with sandy hair and a fresh scar on his forearm.

"Talon," Frakas warned, "don't be stupid."

A lady held his arm and stood by him. Her fiery red hair framed a face covered in freckles, her green eyes flashing with determination.

"We will go with you," the young guy announced, his voice steady despite the tension in the room.

The silence that followed was deafening. Everyone stared at them in shock.

"Why?" I managed to ask.

The young guy, Talon, met my gaze directly. "Because no one should face death alone."